LTWA Newsletter 2008

Library of Tibetan Works & Archives Newsletter

Vol. 01 01

Fall 2008

www.ltwa.net

Editorial Contents 1

Introduction

2

Text of speech by His Holiness

4

Director’s Diary

6

Tibetan Books and Manuscripts Library

8

Foreign Language Reference Library

10

Audio Visual Archive

12

Oral History

14

Research and Translation

15

Cultural Research and Publications

16

Museum

17

Publications

19

Administration

Your feedback We welcome your comments and contributions about what you would like to see in your newsletter. Please contact Chemi Wangmo, Managing Editor, LTWA or email publication2@ltwa.net.

Registered under the Societies Registration Act XXI of 1860 & Recognised

by Himachal Pradesh University, Govt. of H.P. Our mailing address: Library of Tibetan Works & Archives Gangchen Kyishong, Dharamsala, 176215. H.P. INDIA Tel: +91-1892-222467/226181 Fax: +91-1892-223723 E-mail: office@ltwa.net

13.5” x 8”, hand-typed, black and white. That was in 1972 when the first newsletter of LTWA came into print. It was after only a year when the library officially began to function with only four staff members and a small budget.

Now, 36 years later, the Library Newsletter after a prolonged sojourn of two decades makes a much required and anticipated comeback with this edition.

Through its years of growth and learning the Library has today become much more than just a place to read. The Library today manages nine departments.

Its Tibetan and English publication departments have to their credit in print an invaluable collection of books and research papers on Tibetan language, literature and history ranging from Tibetan folk tales to Buddhist philosophy. Through its ever so popular Tibetan and Buddhism classes the Library has reached out to thousands of students in Dharamsala and through the wonder of the Internet and live broadcast, to millions around the world.

With so many things happening and so many new ventures, the need of providing timely and objective information has become even more evident. The newsletter shall endeavour to secure that purpose.

The Library today has developed into a modest institution of learning with a large family of staff members and the growth is just the beginning.

Its a privilege to work in an organisation which is constantly changing and going forward. I hope you are excited as much as we are by our progress and will wish to support us. ■

T

Introduction

he Library of Tibetan Works and Archives was founded by His Holiness the XIV Dalai Lama in 1970, and officially began to function from 1st November 1971. It was founded with the aim of preserving and propagating the rich culture of Tibet to counter the massive destruction it had suffered after the Chinese invasion of Tibet in 1959 and the subsequent chaos of the Cultural Revolution.

The primary objectives of the LTWA are to provide a comprehensive cultural resource centre and to promote an environment that encourages research and an exchange of knowledge between scholars and students. These factors are of the utmost importance in a contemporary world shaped by political and spiritual confusion. In trying to fulfill its objectives, the Library’s priorities include: • Acquiring and conserving Tibetan manuscripts, books, artifacts and works of art • Providing access to books, manuscripts and reference works (in Tibetan as well as in foreign languages) in study areas within the Library • Compiling bibliographies and documentation of Library holdings and related literature available worldwide • Providing copies and prints of Library holdings and acting as a reference centre for such source materials • Publishing books and manuscripts under the library imprint • Supporting research and study of the Tibetan language, both classical and modern As a centre for education, the LTWA has welcomed scholars from all corners of the globe and has had a proud association with many of the world’s most eminent “Tibetologists”, as Tibetan scholars are known. Educational programs in language, philosophy, culture and other fields of Tibetan study are run on a regular basis. Other educational activities include seminars and programs such as the Science for Monks project and the annual Translation Workshop. The Library is officially recognised by Himachal Pradesh University as a Centre for Tibetan Studies.

The Library of Tibetan Works and Archives is firmly dedicated to a threefold vision of preservation, protection and promotion. The Library looks forward into the next century, confident of its role to preserve, and educate others about, a culture threatened with destruction. More than 35 years after its founding, the need for such an institution as the Library of Tibetan Works and Archives has continued to grow. ■

newsletter Fall 2008

Library of Tibetan Works and Archives

Vol. 1

H.H The XIVth Dalai Lama’s speech during the Foundation-Stone laying ceremony of the LTWA on 11 June, 1971

C

ulture and spiritual learning belong to the whole of mankind, in spite of the fact that these are associated with the individual character and ethnic identity of a particular people. When a people of common ethnic identity adopt all possible measures to safeguard its culture and philosophy, it not only fosters their own interests but also secures the preservation and continuation of the common heritage of humankind. It is with such a valid cause that we Tibetan people have embarked on a project to save our culture and philosophy. Our effort to safeguard our cultural heritage is a part of that eternal process whereby the people of different nationalities are making strenuous efforts to safeguard their culture and philosophy.

The main characteristics of our culture are based on Buddhism. Buddhism was born in India and in the course of time, it emerged as one of the greatest religions in the world. It is a corporate body of scientific doctrine and teachings. The meanings of its “source, path and goal� are profound and subtle. Millions in Asia follow Buddhism, and perhaps, Tibet is the only country in the world which could explain in detail and carry into real practice the subtle and profound meanings of Buddhist philosophy and culture. By dint of having acquired this privilege, the great responsibility of the preservation, dissemination and continuation of this unique culture and philosophy of Tibet has devolved upon the shoulders of the Tibetan people. It is to the partial fulfillment of this great responsibility that

4

the establishment and functioning of the Library of Tibetan Works and Archives assumes a work of utmost importance.

Some may question the usefulness of having a cultural centre on Tibetology in Dharamsala when there are already in existence several similar institutions such as the library in the Tibet House in New Delhi and the Sikkim Research Institute at Gangtok, of which Panchen Rimpoche and I had the honour to lay the foundation-stone. Likewise, there are several institutions of this nature in different parts of India. In as much as there are already in existence several centres on Tibetology, the more the number of cultural repositories, the better. More cultural centres implies the further spreading out of a culture and learning, in the process of which it enriches itself and accelerates the pace of healthy development. A tree without branches is unthinkable.

Others may say that we are too naive and do not realise the futility of undertaking such a venture knowing well that we suffer from lack of funds. It may be so. However, there is nothing impossible when one has the indomitable will to achieve. We are aware of the difficulties created by the absence of any meaningful facilities, and adequate funds. But, we are still making a concentrated effort for realising a cultural centre at Dharamsala.

There are some pertinent reasons behind this. In the cultural centres and libraries existing in India and other parts of the world, Tibetan books, manuscripts and publications are collected and preserved.

newsletter Fall 2008

Library of Tibetan Works and Archives

These offer facilities for study and research in the acquisition of knowledge in the specific subject, and spiritual quest is not knowledge alone. If spiritual wisdom consists only in the acquisition of knowledge, reading books, listening to explanations from the learned ones and carrying on of discussion, this may be sufficient. But it is not a proper definition of religion. Religion implies that we have not only to study and understand its implications, but also to practice it.

And mere cultivation of the implication of religion is not enough. One must proceed by gaining practical experiences.

Looking from this angle, there is a gulf of difference between the cultural centre being set up at Dharamsala and that of those existing in other parts of India. For instance, we have a Tibet House in New Delhi with a library containing a sizable number of books, and a person to explain the books. However, this library is useful to the extent that it can satisfy the interest and curiosity of those evanescent visitors who have only a limited time to spend.

Knowledge of religion is not spiritual learning. One must have a complete cognition of its essence. Mere readings of the books alone will not do, let alone seeing and throwing a cursory glance over the pages. One has to study, understand, cultivate and gain experiences by diligent application for months and years, and by discussion and benefit from ones who are experienced and learned on the subject.

In this respect, Dharamsala, where there is a sizable concentration of Tibetans, is amply suited. Apart from having a cool, amiable climate, this place can claim to have a good many highly experienced Tibetan scholars. Therefore, when the Library of Tibetan Works and Archives starts functioning, people can come to Dharamsala and study the books housed in the Library. If one is earnest in their

Vol. 1

quest, they can avail the knowledge and experiences of the many learned ones staying nearby. One need not get confused nor overtax one’s brain. They will always have a quiet atmosphere and there will always be some learned ones to help and guide them. In this way, they will be able to obtain the fullest knowledge and wisdom of Tibetan culture and philosophy. It was primarily these objectives that motivated me to plan the establishment of the Library of Tibetan Works and Archives at Dharamsala.

The project to establish the Library of Tibetan Works and Archives is a big scheme. In the past, we launched several big projects but not all of them succeeded. It was because the planning was defective, and the venture itself was of vast magnitude. It would be a sad day if this project of ours also meets with the same fate. But I am confident that if we all work hard and strive with all our might, the Library project will surely achieve success.

So far, our efforts and its resulting progress have been reasonable and satisfactory. In this context, I wish to express my deep sense of gratitude to the several organisations and individuals who have helped us in the construction of the Library building.

Our work is in conformity with the basic aims of religion. It is a meritorious work. So is the help and assistance given us by wellmeaning organisations and individuals.

This work of ours is aimed at bringing maximum benefit to the promotion of Tibetan culture and philosophy for the benefit of all sentient beings. When the motive is pure and noble, success will always follow. It is my sincere hope that through the vehicle of Tibetan culture and Buddhist doctrine, the world will be benefited at large. â–

5

newsletter Fall 2008

Library of Tibetan Works and Archives

Vol. 1

DIRECTOR’S DIARY

Holiness’ immediate and long-term vision and also provided guidance on how best we can follow it.

2007-2008

November 19 - 24 Geshe-la was invited by the Foundation for Universal Responsibility (FURR) to teach Buddhism to interested Indian scholars and students in Delhi. Geshe-la taught on the Four Noble Truths for six days at the India Habitat Centre. It was attended by around 50 people including foreigners, Tibetan students and primarily Indian elites.

Requests from a number of individuals for private consultations were also attended by Geshe-la every day. At the request of the foundation Geshe-la’s oneweek teaching in November will now become an annual feature and joint collaboration of FURR and LTWA.

April 8 Interview with Argentinean film producer, Marisa Escasany, and her film crew who are making a documentary on His Holiness. The interview was on “the background story of His Holiness’ dialogues with the Modern Scientists”.

November 25 - 26 As requested by Ladakh Culture House and Ladakh Student’s Association in Chandigarh, Geshe-la gave two days of introductory Buddhist teachings in Hindi and English to Ladakhi students and youths.

May 19, 20, 21 Invited as a resource person to the Buddhist Conference organised by the Department of Religion and Culture, Dharamsala.

December 8 - 16 Buddha Dharma Week was organised by the Dharma Rain Centre at Bombay. Geshe-la conducted the week’s programme of talks, film screenings, discussions and retreats.

July 16-26 As suggested by His Holiness, Yonten Ling Institute in collaboration with Bureau du Tibet, France organised a Summer Educational Camp (SEC) for young Tibetans within the age group of 16-30 on Fundamental Concepts of Buddhism. Geshe-la was thus invited to Belgium during which he taught The 37 Practices of Bodhisattva laying emphasis on the importance of religion for this and the next life. It was attended by 20 Tibetan youths with great interest.

July 29 - August 10 As requested by the Dharma Friends of Israel, Geshela visited Israel from 29th July to 10th August. The visit included a series of talks at various places including a weekend retreat in a monastery in Ein Karem.

October 10 - 20 On an invitation from Emory University, Geshe-la visited Emory University, Atlanta USA with four other Geshes during His Holiness’s visit to Atlanta.

November 11 Public Service Commission, Tibetan Government, organised a nine-day workshop from 3rd November to 11th November 2007 for the benefit of the newly recruited Tibetan Government officials. Geshe-la was invited on 11th November and he gave a talk on His

6

8th December: Gave a Public Talk on “The Art of Living & Dying” at Gita Mandir, Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan, Chowpatty, Mumbai. It was sponsored by: Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan, Dharma Rain Centre, LTWA, ICCF (Indian Committee for Cultural Freedom).

9th December: Meetings with group members and private audiences.

10th December: Tibetan Residents Association, Friends of Tibet (India) and Dharma Rain Centre commemorated His Holiness’ Nobel Peace Prize. Geshe-la was invited as the chief guest and he addressed the audience in Tibetan.

In the evening Geshe-la gave a talk on – “Human Rights in Tibet – 50 years of ‘Liberation’ Through Cultural Genocide” during the Panel Discussion on “Human Rights - Tibet, Burma and India” at M. C. Ghia Hall, Rampart Row, (K. Dubash Marg), Kalaghoda.

11th December: Travelled to Pune and unveiled the tracing of the Wheel of Life and gave a talk on its significance at the Manuski Centre, Deccan College Road, Yerawada “The Wheel of Life” (Bhava Chakra).

The tracing was made in 1948 by Li Gotami from the Tsaporang Caves in Tibet.

13th December: Interaction with college students.

Geshe-la gave a talk on “Faith and Reason in the

newsletter Fall 2008

Library of Tibetan Works and Archives

Vol. 1

Dharma” followed by a discussion at P.E.N. All India Centre, Theosophy Hall.

Buddhism and Science for around 45 minutes followed by twenty minutes of questions and answers.

14th December: Interaction with college students. In the evening Geshe-la addressed a mainly Buddhist audience from the local area, and other members of the Vihara community at Chunabhatti Buddha Vihara. Geshe-la spoke in Hindi and it was translated into Marathi.

January 25 - 30 Travelled with 40 CEOS from twenty different countries to Varanasi, Bodh-gaya and Sravasti as arranged through South Zone Tibetan Settlement Main Office in Bangalore.

During the journey, Geshe-la gave several talks on various aspects of Buddhism at various holy sites.

15th & 16th December: Geshe-la conducted and led two days of retreat from 10.00 am to 6.00 pm on both days.

December 17 - 22 Introduction of Buddhism to Tibetan students in Hyderabad, Vijay Wada, Goa and Pune. This visit was organised by His Holiness’ South Zone Tibetan Settlement Main Office in Bangalore.

January 7 - 16 Emory Tibet Science Initiative was formally launched by His Holiness during the inauguration of Drepung Loseling Monastery. The launching ceremony was attended by many senior Tibetan government officials including ministers, people’s deputies, abbots of most of the major Tibetan monasteries, The Emory team led by the university’s Vice President Gary Kawk, Dean Preetha Ram, Dean of science and education and a public gathering of around 40,000 people.

The meeting was addressed by His Holiness the Dalai Lama, Prof. Samdhong Rinpoche, Dr. Gary Hawk, Dean Preetha Ram, Geshe Lhakdor and Geshe Losang Tenzin, Emory University, U.S.A. For the benefit of monks gathered on that special occasion, leading Science teachers from Emory University held evening classes on the introduction of Science for three consecutive evenings. It was attended with great enthusiasm by around 2,500 monks.

January 16 - 20 Attended the Tibet Festival in Ahmedabad organised

by Alliance France in conjunction with the Department of Information and International relations, the Darpana Academy and the Kanoria Centre for Arts. Geshe-la’s talk was on 20th January on Convergence and Divergence of

February 15 Gave a talk on Tibetan Culture to eleven people from America, Canada and Britain. It was requested by the Dharamsala based Cross Cultures.

February 18 - 19 Gave a two-day teaching to around fourteen people, mainly from Peru and Argentina as requested and organised by Paola Pioltelli.

February 22 Held a meeting with a group of journalists from television, radio and print-media in the Netherlands during their visit to Dharamsala from 20th to 27th February. The trip was organised by International Campaign for Tibet-Europe in the Netherlands, Foundation Ticket for Tibet, Campaign for Tibet and Campaign Bureau BKB. The group of journalists represented the following media in The Netherlands: 1) VARA Television 2) Radio 3 FM 3) Daily Newspaper De Pers.

February 24 Attended a performance at TIPA, followed by dinner and a talk on His Holiness’s teachings on Udanavarga and Birth Stories for the Young Asian Leaders. It was organised by Dr. Losang Sengey, Harvard University, U.S.A. March 8 Meeting with Geo Hazard International group in Delhi.

March 30 - 31 Gave two days of talks to the guests of the Anand in the Himalayas, Rishikesh. ■

7

newsletter Fall 2008

Library of Tibetan Works and Archives

Tibetan Books & Manuscripts Library

* 109,881 manuscripts and documents in Tibetan. * Special holdings including several handwritten editions of the Kangyur and Tengyur

T

Departments

he Tibetan book and manuscript collection maintains holdings of more than 109,881 manuscripts, xylographs (wood block prints), documents, illuminated manuscripts and microfilm records. The collection ranges from centuries-old texts to contemporary books and periodicals. A significant portion of the collection is made up of ancient holy texts that were carried out of Tibet by those escaping to India during the early days of exile. The main body of the manuscript collection is comprised of the major works of Tibet’s four Buddhist traditions, the Nyingma, Kagyu, Sakya and Gelug schools, as well as the indigenous Bon tradition. Several hundred volumes are added to the Tibetan collection each year, ranging from rare and original manuscripts to contemporary reprints in book form.

Total number of books bought this year:

1135

Total number of complimentary books received:

345

Total number of books borrowed:

4262

Total number of books read in the reference hall:

6730

Total number of forms filled for books:

340

Data entered in computer

84,555

Total number of binding of book covers:

122

Total no. of forms filled for All India manuscript project:

22009

Total no. of contents/index computerised:

22009

Books Purchased This year, 1,135 books were bought, costing an amount of Rs. 558,789.40. Some of the important books bought this year are as follows:

8

Vol. 1

Collected Works of Kathog Rinzin Tsewang Nobu, Vols. 1-3 Collected Works of Alag Tseten Shabdrung, Vols. 1-3 Collected Works of Yeshi Gyaltsen of Tsechokling, Vols. 1-26 Dringung Kagyu Cho dzod chen mo, Vols 1-151 Collected Works of Kadampa, Vols. 1-60 Collected Works on Ngogchoe, Vols. 1-10 Commentary on Dukhor, Kalachakra, Vols. 11-17 Mepoe Shulshag (Legacies of Ancestors), Book 1 -39 Gangchen Rigchu Nyingchu Chenmo, book 1, 2, 3, 7, 8, 9, 10 Jonang Petsok, book 1-10 Zhungchen Chusum (Thirteen Great Treatises), 1-13 Collected Works of Atisa Teachings of Arjang Jangchup Yeshe

Books received on complimentary And exchange basis This year, a total of 348 books were received on a complimentary basis and through exchange programmes. Some of the important books are: Gendhun Gyatso, 2nd Dalai Lama’s Collected Works, Vols. ka-pa to cha-pa Goelo Zhonnu Pel’s commentary on Gyud lama rab tu sal wa’i melong, Vols. 1 and 2 Zhamar Konchok Yanlak and Karma Trinley Chokley Namgyal’s short commentary on the Abhisamayamkara and Root Text Commentary Tsering Gelek’s Dhokham Lhathog Gyalrab Sera Jey Tehor Geshe Tsulgey’s History of the Tehor Tashi Dharye monastery Zatrul Ngawang Norbu’s Collected Works, Vols. ka to ta Jetsun Lobsang Norbu’s Collected Works, Vols. ka to ta

newsletter Fall 2008

Library of Tibetan Works and Archives

Pema Wangchuk Gyalpo’s Collected Works, Vols. ka to ta Gutoe Monastery’s Religious History, annual rituals and ceremonial texts Rinchen Terzoe Chenmo, Vols. ka to tha Gaje Khamtrul Jamyang Dhondup’s Life History Religous History of Nechung Monastery

Cataloguing and Data feeding 1. 340 books and 3,990 analytical titles have been fed into computer 2. All the catalogue cards were fed into computer 3. 56,743 catalogues were fed into computer Visits by Research Scholars This year a total of 46 research scholars visited this department to conduct research on various fields, including human science, ancient histories, Buddhism, democratic systems in north Indian Tibetan communities, Perfection, Tibetan medicine, Tibetan language, temporary Buddhist studies, culture, arts, modern Tibetan arts, Machik Labdron’s Cod ritual, Nyingma’s tradition and centre of Tibetan religious and political seat. The department offered guidance, service and assistance to all the research scholars in every possible way. We also provided every possible assistance to the office of H.H. the Dalai Lama, H.H. Karmapa, lamas and tulkus of various Buddhist traditions, research centres, monasteries, institutions and various offices of the Tibetan Government in Exile in accordance with their needs and requests.

Special services 1. Since 2003 when the Government of India entrusted the National Manuscript Project to this department, we have been submitting the annual reports to the concerned offices every year. This year, 22,009 data sheets have been filled up and entered into computer.

2. Though the digitization of old Tibetan documents, a joint project of the Library and Bon University of Germany, was already concluded in 2006, we are yet to complete the editing of the texts; so we are planning to hire an experienced personnel to do the job.

3. Book binding of 122 torn books has been done.

4. At the instruction of the Director of the Library, the department head took the responsibility as the Chief

Vol. 1

Editor of the Tibet Journal, published by the LTWA. 5. Attended International seminar on reviewing hand print program organised by Indra Gandhi Institute of the Arts, New Delhi, from 27th to 30th October 2007.

6. The department has been trying to get all the missing editions of the Tibetan newspapers, since it was passed to this department from the Foreign Language Library in 2006. This year, we have succeeded to some extent in compiling all the editions of bod mi rang dbang and rang dbang gsar shog.

List of copies made from Books, CDs and DVDs borrowed from other institutes 1. We borrowed two volumes of the biography of IVth Omniscient Jamyang Shepa from Drepung Gomang, Jadrel Khamtsen with the help of Kesar Ludup, former contract staff of LTWA, on 10th September, 2007, and made a copy for the library.

2. Made four CDs of dus-khor chos skor.

Following are the books copied in CD and DVD from the manuscript department this year: 1. Collected writings of Tho-yon ‘jam-dbyang ‘phrin-las, Vol: I to IV and Vol: VI 2. Collected writings of sLe-Lung Je-Drung bLo-bZang ‘Phrin-las, Vol: I to XIII 3. Collected writings of Pa-ri Rab-gSal, Vol: I to III 4. Collected writings of Thar-Shul dGe-‘dun Chos-sKyong, Vol: I and II 5. Collected writings of rNga-rGod Nam-kha Seng-ge, Vol: Ka 6. Collected writings of Lho-brag Grub-Chen Nam-kha Rgyal-mTsan 7. Collected writings of Sog-po Ngag-dbang dpal-ldan.

8. Collected writings of ‘on-rgyal sRas bSkal-bzang Thubbstan Ngag-dbang blo-zang bStan-pa’i rGyal mTshan, Vol:I 9. Collected writings of Chu-bzang Ye-shes rGyal-mtshan, Vol: I 10. Collected writings of Radrang Nga-dbang bLo-bzang and the writings of mKhyen-rab ‘Jam-dbang blo-zang ‘phrenlas ■

9

newsletter Fall 2008

Foreign Language Reference Library

Library of Tibetan Works and Archives

* 11,254 books in English and foreign languages dealing with Buddhism and Tibet

Departments

T

he Foreign Language Reference Library has a collection of more than 11,254 volumes, predominantly dealing with language, philosophy, arts and culture, medicine, geography, travel, the history and politics of Tibet, and the Himalayan region. More than 120 journals and periodicals of related interest are currently received. There are also collections of rare and out-of-print books, files of newspaper clippings covering the decades of the Tibetan diaspora, and collections of pamphlets, brochures and other ephemera concerning the Tibetan community dating back to 1959. The collection is primarily in English but also includes titles in other European and Indian languages, as well as languages such as Japanese, Chinese, Russian, Mongolian and Korean. On an average, 250 people including scholars, researchers and Dharma students enroll as members of the library each year for a small fee. Research guidance is available from resident scholars.

This year has been very fruitful for the Department in acquiring publications. After months of sustained effort and appeal on the Internet by the Director, Geshe Lhakdor-la and Librarian, Pema Yeshi, we were able to contact Claire and Fred from Belgium. Through their sustained effort and hard work they were able to procure around forty titles from various places and ship those titles free of cost to us. They are still active in their efforts and we hope they will continue in the future too. LTWA will remain most grateful to them.

The year also saw the resignation of our Librarian, Mr. Pema Yeshi who left for Canada to join his family after serving this institution for sixteen years. LTWA will truly miss such a dedicated, responsive and hard working person. We wish him all the best.

10

Vol. 1

Acquisition: Books In the fiscal year 2007-2008, 68 new titles were purchased on subjects covering art, culture, religion and history. Apart from these, 186 new publications were received from various friends of LTWA as gifts and donations. The most generous donors were Claire and Fred (Belgium), Gabriel Laffite (Australia), Wisdom, Snow Lion, Kong Meng San Phor Kare See Monastery (Singapore), Brill Publishers and Paulius Normantas. The Library would like to thank them and all the numerous individuals, institutions and publishers who have made their contributions and enriched our collection.

Periodicals The academic journals are acquired on an exchange basis and Periodicals are acquired through subscription, publications exchange program and on a complimentary basis. The newsletters are received on a complimentary basis. No new journals or periodicals were added to the Library this year. The transfer of Tibetan journals and periodicals to the Tibetan section and withdrawal of around 123 bound journals from the Journal Register resulted in a fall of the total collection of the FLRS. Cardex copies for almost bound journals were completed.

Electronic Publications The Library also received the following titles on gratis in electronic format: Islam in Tibet, Tibet from Wisdom to Oblivion, Full Text Dissertation 2006 and 2007 on Tibetan Buddhism and Culture and New Unpublished Scholarship on Tibet and China. These CD ROMs were

newsletter Fall 2008

Library of Tibetan Works and Archives

made available to LTWA by Gabriel Laffite, and Claire and Fred.

Press Clippings Forty-four envelopes of press clippings on Tibet and Tibetans published in various newspapers such as: The Times of India, Hindustan Times, The Statesman, The Hindu, Assam Tribune, The Sentinel, Dainik Tribune, Deccan Chronicle and The Pioneer were collected. Classification of clippings of the year 2006 are complete and available for reader reference. This year, press clippings regarding Tibet were pasted daily on the notice board for general public reading.

Services: Reference Service and Membership This year 260 readers enrolled for the Library membership.

Among those, 204 were general readers, 41 were research scholars and fifteen were institutional members. The readers were assisted in locating materials and their queries on various aspects of Tibet were resolved through mail and email.

Bibliographies were also prepared on their request. 212 books and journals were lent out for photocopying.

Vol. 1

Technical Services All acquisitions, whether purchased or received as donations were processed and fully catalogued. Some of the missing entries which were lost while switching from earlier Library software LIBSYS to present SLIM were also successfully entered. Mr. German from Switzerland volunteered to replace the existing old Spanish title’s card catalogue while Miss Janina Hotze volunteered for the Russian catalogue. LTWA will remain grateful to them.

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT Foreign Language Reference Section would like to thank Phillipa Carrick from Tibet Relief Fund, London, for donating 1,344 British Pounds. The total funding amount converted to Indian Rupees was 107,503. With this amount, LTWA bought two Lenovo Intel Pentium Processors, one Photo Scanner and one Laserjet Printer.

Rs.82,980 was spent in purchasing the above equipment and the remaining balance of Rs.24,523 was kept as a contribution towards the Annual Maintenance Contract. â–

11

newsletter Fall 2008

Audio-Visual Archive

Library of Tibetan Works and Archives

* More than 26,500 hours of sound and video recordings * 6,000 images of Tibet

S

Departments

ince its inception in 1976, the Library’s Audiovisual Archive has amassed 26,500 hours of sound and video recordings, documenting all aspects of Tibetan life. Recordings date from as early as 1956. The Archive contains interviews, documentaries, teachings, radio broadcasts and all manner of recordings related to Tibet. Interviews are with elders, religious figures, craftspeople, doctors, astrologers, storytellers, traders, pilgrims, ex-servicemen, and former government officials.

Teachings, discourses and lectures by His Holiness the Dalai Lama and other eminent lamas and scholars form a significant part of the collection. In addition, the Library records and archives its own twice-daily Buddhist philosophy lectures, which are available online.

1. This year 125 titles totaling more than 1,008 hours in both analog and digital format were collected.

The collection mainly consists of teachings, initiations and discourses by His Holiness the Dalai Lama and by other eminent Tibetan Buddhist lamas. The collection also comprises documentaries, interviews, seminars and events that were covered from both inside as well as outside India, and recorded by the Library as well as by other groups 2. Audio Visual Archive continues to assist scholars, visitors and others interested in Tibet studies in accessing the collections by providing them with a copy of the available recording as per their request. The section also continues to take the responsibility of maintaining the online archive as well as the live streaming of the Buddhist Philosophy class held at the Library

12

Vol. 1

and to provide a copy of recordings to those interested in having them in different physical formats 3. The Archive continues to digitize the recordings that are in old physical formats especially those in spool tapes, and the task that follows; of cataloguing, creating copies, archiving and thereby laying the foundation for future production of them in different formats 4. The Audio Visual Archive has been very successful in enriching our Archive’s collection by successfully acquiring vast collections of audio and video materials from different sources and in different formats, ranging from cassette tapes to DVDs New Staff This year, the Library’s Director and the Administration supported and approved the long-standing request for the much needed recruitment of two additional staff at the Audio Visual Archive. The section now has two new staff, Mr. Tenzin Sonam and Miss. Tsering Dolkar as permanent staff to assist with the increasing audio visual work.

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT For several years Audio Visual Archive has been trying its best in seeking financial assistance to maintain the Audio Visual collections as well as to upgrade the technological aspects, since the financial assistance from the Ford Foundation has ended. With support from the Library’s Director and the Audio Visual Archive’s effort, the section has received the following financial support for the year 2007-2008:

newsletter Fall 2008

Library of Tibetan Works and Archives

a. Mr Jim Lindner, an acquaintance of the Library’s Director, during his visit to the Library made a donation of Rs.25,000 to support the purchase of a much needed Air Conditioner in the archive room to preserve the recordings from moisture and humidity b. This year The Tibet Relief Fund (UK) accepted the long awaited request to support the recruitment of one permanent staff at the Audio Visual Archive for four years. Mrs Philippa Carrick, Chief Executive Officer of The Tibet Relief Fund and her assistant paid a quick visit to the Library in October 2007. During her short visit to the Library, she was introduced to the Library’s Director, Venerable Geshe Lhakdor-la and briefly visited the main sections of the Library. She was also introduced to the staff Ms. Tsering Dolkar whose recruitment was made possible because of their financial assistance c. In response to the request made by Audio Visual Archive in the year 2006, The Tibet Fund (US) made a generous contribution of US$5,000 to purchase a backup machine and accessories related to the machine Future Initiatives: 1. To backup the audio visual collections in the server to a backup machine

Vol. 1

2. To replace the open wooden shelves to Godrej Mobistack or compactor 3. To provide a separate audio visual laboratory to provide viewing and listening services to the visitors 4. To continue with the task of digitization of recordings of old formats So far, collections at the Audio Visual Archive have no backups and are kept on open wooden shelves, risking the danger of dust and distortion as well as the damages due to climatic fluctuation and the high monsoon humidity of Dharamsala.

With the purchase of a backup machine and replacement of the open wooden shelves, the collections could be preserved in a far better condition with more reliability.

A separate Audio Visual laboratory with a viewing and listening facility will greatly inspire those visiting the Audio Visual Archive as well as making the collections at the Archive available for research works and production of documentaries for visitors interested in Tibetan studies.

Finally, the continuing work of digitization and upgrading of technology will allow greater reliability in storing the collections, it will not only save time but will also provide space management and will greatly contribute to the preservation of the collections. ■

13

newsletter Fall 2008

Library of Tibetan Works and Archives

Oral History

* Interviews with senior Tibetans, recording both religious and secular life in audio and video formats * Publication of selected oral histories in book form

O

ral traditions are particularly susceptible to permanent loss, should their transmission be interrupted. So the oral history project began in 1976 in order to create a record of Tibetan life as lived by Tibetans and to capture for posterity orally transmitted aspects of Tibetan culture. Since then, the project has amassed a several-thousand-strong collection of taped interviews with elders, lamas and other religious figures, craftspeople, doctors and astrologers, storytellers, traders and pilgrims. Recording them has secured their preservation for the future.

Departments

Vol. 1

Among other things, the oral history collection contains, thousands of hours of teachings by His Holiness the Dalai Lama; accounts of the journey from Tibet to India; Tibetan proverbs and stories; explanations of Tibetan healing methods; and descriptions of traditional dresses, costumes, ornaments, songs and dances. A series of transcripts and English translations of selected interviews are also published.

b. c. d.

e. f.

g.

h.

Publications published in the year: Tibetan Arts and Crafts (Oral History Series 22)

i.

A personal life of Samkhyil Rinchen Wangyal (Oral History Series 23)

j.

Work in Progress:

and monastic officials in the old Tibetan government One photograph of Shigatse Samdup Tse palace One photograph of Gyapon Lobsang Tashi of Chong gyas Resistance Group 25 photographs of the ruins of sacred places and fortresses of Mangyul Kyidong and Dzonga regions A photograph of the seventh Nubchen Namkha Nnyingpo A passport size photograph of Ngawang Tharchin, former military commander-in-chief of Ha-dang Gaden military A photograph of Rigzin Jamyang Tokden Pawo, the seventh lineage holder of the treasure revealer Pal Hung Ri Wa A photograph of a Chinese firm established near the Chorten Nyima monastery selling the holy water of Phyag Khar Men Chu in packaged bottles. For the benefit of Tibetans, Guru Padmasambhava created this holy water by poking his walking stick into the ground A photograph of Chorten Nyima taken by Madam Davidneel in 1931 Two photographs of the Three Stupas (Chorten Namsum) taken by Madam Davidneel in 1931

a. The political scenario in Tibet before the Chinese invasion

New historical documents acquired by the Department:

The procurement of Photographs related to oral history:

a. 73 line handwritten accounts of Dzonga region submitted to the Reform Office of the old Tibetan Government by Serkya Drelpo, a resident of Dzonga

a. Five photographs of ministers, and lay

14

newsletter Fall 2008

Library of Tibetan Works and Archives

b. A copy of a 27-line handwritten official decree bearing the seal of the Government issued by Rigzin Topden to the lineage holders of Silnon Wangyal Dorjee, reiterating legitimacy and validity of official orders issued by Gaden Phodrang in relation to the monastic estate c. A sixteen page bilingual secret pilgrim’s guide to Chorten Nyima d. A copy of the benefits of bathing in Dorjee Nyima e. An eight-line hand-written official order issued by Regent Tadrak in 1949 on the system of tea offerings in the Chorten Nyima monastery f. Official decree in Tibetan and their English translation stating the offerings of monastic estates in honour to the lineage holders of the treasure revealer Hung Ri Wa by the successive Kings of Denjong (Sikkim) g. An eight-page narration of the underground attack launched by 100 soldiers of the Tibetan resistance group against the Chinese army from Chongye district to Tsethang Gangphuk. As told to Samkhyil Gyen Wangyal La by Gyapon Lobsang Choedak h. An eight-page narration of the services rendered by the scholar and teacher Lobsang Namgyal (Phagri) in both Tibet and in exile, as told to Sonam Dhargye (Sera Je teacher) i. A seven-page extract from a book composed by H.H. the 14th Dalai Lama describing an account of granting a luminous statue of Lord Buddha to the devout devotees in Domed region, who could not visit Lhasa Jokhang due to their long distances. The king of Domed, Me Gyalpo Thinley Rabten made this request to His Holiness j. A paper on “Polyandry and population growth in a historical Tibetan society [Kyidong]” by Geoff Child was offered to the Department by Ven. Jampa Palden of Tashi Choeling monastery k. A copy of the book The Hagiography of Nubchen Namkha Nyingpo l. A copy of the offering rituals composed by Guru Padmakara in invoking the twelve local female deities Transcribed and Edited Works: a. Two 90-minute audio tapes of Chagzoe Ngawang Tenpa narrating the social and political scenario in Tibet before the Chinese invasion

Vol. 1

b. Ten 90-minute audio tapes in conversation with former TCV Director, Tenzin Dorjee. The conversation includes his life in Tibet and the gradual development of educational institutions in exile community c. Two-90 minute audio tapes of Dzonga Tsewang Rabgay narrating his personal experience in both Tibet and in exile d. Two-90 minute audio tapes of the traditional Tibetan songs of Gyaltse region recorded from the elderly Tibetans living in Bylakuppe and Mundgod Tibetan settlements. It includes various songs and dances performed during the farming activities, official and private gatherings, Losar, and religious ceremonies e. An account narrating the military services rendered by Dawa Tsering, former member of the personal guard in old Tibet. The narration includes military responsibilities, drills, uniform, medals, military signals, and guard of honours depending upon the hierarchy of lamas List of new Department:

contacts

maintained

by

the

a. The lineage holder of treasure revealer Hung Ri Wa, Lachung Rinpoche. b. Lhakpa Tsering (President, Tibetan Freedom Movement) c. Kunchok Gyaltsen d. Tsering Norbu (Pagri) e. Phurbu Wangdu (Kyidong) f. Lungkar Jolak g. Sonam Dargay (Sera je teacher) h. Gyapon Lobsang Tashi (Chongay Resistance Group) i. Jigme Paljor (son of Jorgay) j. Sharling Tsering Palden Translation: a. A pilgrim’s guide by Hashan, translated from Chinese into Tibetan b. Tibetan customs and tradition, translated from Tibetan into English c. Translation of the article Nepal-Tibet ties from Tibetan into English ■

15

newsletter Fall 2008

Library of Tibetan Works and Archives

Vol. 1

Research and Translation

T

he Research and Translation Department provides vital services to the Library and supports scholarly research in all fields of Tibetan thought. The team translates texts on the subjects of Tibetan religion, history and culture. LTWA translators also provide services for other branches of the Tibetan Governmentin-Exile in Dharamsala. The department also assists and provides research guidance to the scholars who visit the LTWA.

Departments

Tibet Journal: The library’s Tibet Journal, a scholarly quarterly journal in English, first appeared in 1975. It features articles on Tibetan history, art, philosophy, literature and language, and includes book reviews. Special editions have been dedicated to single topics such as the Tibetan government and court systems, the Muslim community and the visual arts. The journal also publishes articles related to Nepal, Bhutan, Mongolia and the Trans-Himalayan regions which have geographical and cultural affinities to Tibet.

Science Journal: Since 2000, the biannual Science Journal has reported on scientific concepts and principles and featured translations of articles covering various aspects of modern science. The Journal has so far been primarily concerned with general physics.

The Centre for Tibetan Studies The Research and Translation Department also administers the Centre for Tibetan Studies, recognised by the Himachal Pradesh University, India. The centre offers courses for the growing number of people

16

interested in Tibetan language and philosophy. Classes were first taught in 1971 and have grown steadily in scope and attendance ever since. This work is an important aspect of the Library’s effort to nurture an appreciation and understanding of Tibetan culture.

Classes in Tibetan language and Buddhist philosophy meet five or six days a week. The academic year is ten months long, running from March to December. An annual course information brochure is published and is available at the reception desk.

Language Classes: Language classes are conducted over three terms of three months each. Each year, full-term intensive courses in Tibetan language and literary appreciation are also conducted for members of the Central Tibetan Administration and allied institutions.

Tibetan language classes range from beginners to advanced and cover spoken and written Tibetan, aspects of grammar and idiomatic speech. The classes are intended to provide a linguistic launching pad, better equipping students for the study of Tibetan culture and religion.

Buddhist Philosophy Classes: Philosophy classes are taught by Geshes (monkscholars holding Buddhist doctorates) who are selected for their experience and good reputation. The duration of philosophy courses depend on the texts being studied. The teachings are generally offered in Tibetan and translated into English by experienced translators. Classical Indian and Tibetan Buddhist texts are selected as the focus of study in order to provide students with firsthand knowledge of Buddhist philosophy, meditation, psychology and ethics.

newsletter Fall 2008

Library of Tibetan Works and Archives

Publications Published in the year: Tibet Journal Volume XXXI Winter Issue, 2006 “Cultivating a Daily Meditation” by H.H. the XIVth Dalai Lama (Hindi Version) 3rd, 4th and 5th editions of the Science Newsletter 10th and 11th issues of the Science Journal

Works in Progress: • Translated the booklet His Holiness the XIV Dalai Lama on His Reincarnation and Successor, to be published by the Private Office of His Holiness the Dalai Lama • Translated the first volume of the Udanavarga • Researching and compiling a book entitled Teaching Tibetan as a Foreign Language • Translating some parts of the three-day teaching of His Holiness at Upper TCV school • Working on the next issue of the Tibet Journal, Volume XXXI, Summer Issue, 2007 • Working on a book tentatively titled Women of Tibet containing 11 essays on historically prominent Tibetan women, to be published soon by the LTWA • Translated, edited and ready to publish the Yarlung History • Translated, edited and ready to publish the Ethnic Genealogy of Tibet • Currently working on the compilation of the History of Tibet in Tibetan for the Tibetan children • Finished translating His Holiness the Thirteenth Dalai Lama by Tokan Tada, which is presently being edited • Translated Treasury of Fables by A.N Bhatt which is presently being edited • Currently working on A biography of the Thirteenth Dalai Lama • Translated the speeches of His Holiness in the Assembly of Tibetan People’s Deputies and other occasions, which is now under final editing • Guide to the Pilgrimage Sites of India (Hindi) authored by Gendun Choephal • Revised edition of Bodhicarya Avatara (Hindi) will be published soon • The first science textbook for monks and nuns to be published soon Other Miscellaneous Services: • Recruiting translators and editors for the LTWA • Teaching Tibetan language to the students of the Basic

Vol. 1

and Intermediate classes • Helped in editing the LTWA brochure and website materials • Guiding researchers of different nationalities • Provided Translation Service, on behalf of the LTWA, to the Solidarity Committee, Tibetan Government-in-Exile.

The responsibilities included translating their daily press statements and typing them into Hindi • Scanned many photographs for the Photo Archive Section • Presented, on behalf of LTWA, two essays titled Buddhism: What it means to a common Tibetan and The Three Jewels: The Foundation of Buddhism and Buddhist Practice at the seminar on Lord Buddha’s Life and Teachings, held at Kurukshetra University, Haryana, from 23-24 October, 2007 • Rendered service to the Director and administrative office as and when instructed • Transcription of the speech of Prof. Samdong Rinpoche given during the Haridevar Camp Talks on Basics of Buddhism Workshops and Seminars: • 5th June to 6th July 2007, the month long IX annual ‘Science for Monks’ workshop was held at the Deer Park Institute, Bir, Himachal Pradesh. It was attended by around 50 monks • 1st June to 31st August 2007, the three-month Translation Workshop was held at the Library conference hall • On request from Science Meets Dharma, the Director of the LTWA and all the staff members of the Science Section gave a week long workshop on Science Translation Methodology. This was held from December 24-29, 2007 at Drepung Loseling Monastery • From January 7-9, 2008, along with the Professors from the Emory University, Science Introductory Session for monastics totaling over 2000 was held in the court yard of Drepung Loseling every evening after the teaching of His Holiness • The first ever Science Terminology Translation Seminar was organised and held successfully from March 1820, 2008 at the LTWA conference hall. It was attended by scholars from LTWA, Tibetan Medical Institute, Department of Education, Upper TCV and translators from various institutes in and around Dharamsala ■

17

newsletter Fall 2008

Cultural Research & Publications

Library of Tibetan Works and Archives

* 200 Tibetan language titles * Scholarly periodical Tam Tsog

T

he Cultural Research and Publications Department publish and distribute a wide range of titles concerning Tibetan studies. Each year, in co-operation with the library’s research and translation arm, the department adds to its Tibetan language titles. Around 200 books have been published since 1972, with an average of six publications released each year (including journals). Book sales provide operating funds for the institution in general, while their wide distribution serves to raise awareness of Tibetan culture.

Departments

Vol. 1

mDo Tshan Lam sGrig: A Compilation of Sutra in the Order of the Stages of Path compiled by Geshe Thupten Palsang A Collection of articles on Tibetan history, culture and politics by Trotsik Choedak.

Works in progress: Collected works of Dephug Rinpoche Yig Rig Jang Chub Wangpo gTam Tshogs Year 1992 I & II, 1993 I & II gTam Tshogs Year 1994 I & II, 1995 I & II gTam Tshogs Year 2008 I & II Collected works of VII Dalai Lama (9 volumes)

Two periodicals are published by the department, Tam Tsog and the Science Journal. Both are in the Tibetan language.

A commentary of Tibetan Tagjug Grammer

Tam Tsog:

A history of Latse (a place in Tibet) by Kelsang Khedup

Since 1981, Tam Tsog has featured articles on Tibetan history, art, philosophy, literature and language. The biannual journal also publishes articles related to Nepal, Bhutan, Mongolia and the Trans-Himalayan regions with geographical and cultural affinities with Tibet.

Publications published in the year: gTam Tshogs (journal on cultural research) year 2007 Issue I & II gTam Tshogs (journal on cultural research) year 1991 Issue II Zur Kha Gyatsa: Siddhisambhava (A Collection of Sadhana(s) for the propitiation of various tutelaries/protective deities, and Anujavidhi(s) - compiled by Tho yon ‘Jam byans A new commentary on Karyadarsa based on Shong & Pang by Rakra Rinpoche Biography of Gya Losang Tashi by Tsering Wangchuk

18

Compilation of articles on Tibetan Medicines & Astrology by Sonam Rinchen

Other Services Rendered by this Department: 1. Cultural workshop for 22 army officers in collaboration with Security Dept 2. Rendered services to DOE, CIHTS, Sarah College, Tibetan Supreme Justice Commission, CBSE 3. Assisted Nancy Lin; US Fulbright Doctoral candidate. She is affiliated to LTWA for her project 4. Intensive Language & Literature class from 8 to 9 a.m 5. Text book names ■

newsletter Fall 2008

Museum

Library of Tibetan Works and Archives

* 1,000 artifacts * 600 statues and thangka paintings

T

he Museum, located on the first floor of the Library, originated as a repository for art and artifacts devotedly carried into exile, often at great personal risk, and offered to His Holiness the Dalai Lama. It was laid out in consultation with the National Museum of India and opened to the public in 1974. The museum has expanded steadily since those early days and today exhibits one of the most important collections of Tibetan art in the world. It has a rich collection of around 1,000 objects, both secular and religious.

Departments

Vol. 1

Major exhibits include a handwritten official decree issued by the sixth Dalai Lama (c.1699), a three-dimensional carved wooden mandala of Avalokiteshvara (the Buddha of Compassion) and a thread-cross mandala of Arya Tara. The museum also houses a bronze statue of Avalokiteshvara commissioned by the thirteenth Dalai Lama, said to stand as tall as he did, and a contemporary life-sized statue of Je Tsongkhapa.

Also exhibited are many other important and sacred objects depicting the religious and secular life of traditional Tibet. Statues and thangkas (traditional scroll paintings) of various Buddhas and other manifestations are on display, as well as traditional Tibetan artifacts of the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries. The museum also exhibits a unique collection of miniatures of some of Tibet’s great monuments. These include an intricate butter sculpture of the Potala Place, a wooden replica of the Jokhang in Lhasa (Tibet’s central cathedral) and a set of wood-carved Choeten Namgye (eight stupas, each depicting a different event in the Buddha’s life).

• This year, the computerised cataloguing of 624 statues was completed. Classifying the statues with the old accession number was not possible as some of the statues were double listed and no classification was done among the lamas of different sects. So, a long time was spent in the classification of these statues; reading about their symbolisms, identifications and asking the older people around • Around 250 foreign visitors and 50 Tibetans visit the museum monthly • Most of the foreigners and official visitors need explanations so they were provided with explanations about the existing museum and the importance of each artifact with Buddhist concept of believing in deities, protectors and the importance of their icons • The library team led by Geshe Lhakdor-la are translating from the Tibetan text and collecting information from the written texts in English to label the icons. Doing this would make the museum more informative to the visitors ■

19

newsletter Fall 2008

Library of Tibetan Works and Archives

Publications

T

Vol. 1

• More than 300 publications in English concerning Buddhist philosophy and other aspects of Tibetan culture • Scholarly periodical The Tibet Journal

he publication section predominantly publishes texts concerned with Buddhist philosophy, but has also released books relating to Tibetan archaeology, history, politics, medicine, language and folk culture. To produce English translations from the Tibetan, native English speaking editors work in a team with Tibetan translators. The department also publishes in Hindi.

Titles published to date range from the classic Guide to the Bodhisattva’s Way of Life by Shantideva to the current Cultivating a Daily Meditation by His Holiness the Dalai Lama. Publications are distributed worldwide by the Delhi-based Paljor Publications, a branch of the Charitable Trust of His Holiness the Dalai Lama.

Cover designing, press works and other misc. services provided by this Department: Oral History Series 22 Oral History Series 23 Oral History Series 24 gTam tsog series: 1987 Vol. XI Issue 2 gTam tsog series: 1988 Vol. XXVII - Issue 1 gTam tsog series: 1988 Vol. XXVII - Issue 2 Accounts of Gya Losang Tashi and Chushi Gangdrug Shongpang Shal-lung Melong namshed Bod dang bod ki khyed nor gleng wa Zurkha Gyatsa Do Tsan Lam Drig Cultivating a Daily Meditation (Hindi Edition)

Departments

New Editions Published: The Wheel of Sharp Weapons Opening the Mind and Generating a Good Heart Origin of Tara Tantra The Seven Instruction Lineages

Collective Works of Second Dalai Lama Vol.- Ka Collective Works of Second Dalai Lama Vol.- Kha Collective Works of Second Dalai Lama Vol.- Ga Collective Works of Second Dalai Lama Vol.-Nga Collective Works of Second Dalai Lama Vol. - Ca

Modern Tibetan Language Vol. II Tibetan Proverb

Collective Works of Second Dalai Lama Vol. - Cha

Daily Recitation

Science Journal Vol. 11

Reprints:

Guide to the Bodhisattva’s Way of Life English Tibetan Dictionary of Modern Tibetan

Bod lug ki losar du-ton (typing 20 A4-size pages) LTWA Course Brochure for 2008 and Tibetan New Year Card

Works in Progress:

The Dzogchen, Innermost Essence

The Founding Inscription in the Serkhang of Lalung (Spiti Himachal Pradesh)

Harmony of Emptiness and Dependent Arising

Account of a Pilgrimage to Central Tibet The Way to Freedom

20

newsletter Fall 2008

newsletter Library of Tibetan Works and Archives

Awakening the Mind, Lightening the Heart The Joy of Living and Dying in Peace The Dzogchen, Innermost Essence (Retyping) Folk Tales of Tibet (Retyping)

Regular correspondence by post and email were done with the following individuals and offices: 1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

Indraprastha Printing Press (CBT) ISBN Office Copyright Office Authors\Translators Publishers seeking translation and copyright for LTWA titles

During the year the following translation rights were given to:

Vol. 1

2. Portuguese translation right for Cultivating a Daily Meditation by H.H. the Dalai Lama was given to Editora Via Interior, Brazil 3. Portuguese translation right for Three Principal Aspects of the Path was given to Editora Via Interior, Brazil 4. Spanish translation right for The Dzogchen, Innermost Essence was given to Ediciones Dharma, Spain 5. Spanish translation right for Nagarjuna’s Drop of Nourishment was given to Ediciones Dharma, Spain Staff news This year, Mr. Tenzin Sonam, Publications Assistant was transfered to the Oral History Audio Visual section from March 2007.

Miss. Chemi Wangmo joined this Department as Publications Assistant from October 2007. â–

1. Russian translation right for Life and Teachings of Tsong Khapa was given to OM Publishers, Moscow, Russia

21

newsletter Fall 2008

Library of Tibetan Works and Archives

Vol. 1

Administration

T

he administration department functions directly under its apex authority - Governing Body, under the chairmanship of His Holiness the Dalai Lama and His vice, venerable Prof. Samdhong Rinpoche - which also comprises seven other members including two representatives from the Government of India. The department primarily implements the policies and directives of the Governing Body. It also manages the day-to-day administrative affairs of the institute besides its responsibilities of staff and personnel support, fiscal accounting and budgetary operations, security, building maintenance and construction, computer and information services, overseeing ongoing projects and other managerial tasks.

Staff/Personnel

With the widening scope of services and workloads the need for further enhancement of the workforce has called for the recruitment of five staff in permanent posts and three staff as either contractual or temporary recruits in various departments. There are six vacant posts that have not been filled up because of paucity of budget to meet the salary expenses. Enhancement of annual grant-in-aid has consistently been requested to the Government of India. The year also saw the resignation of three staff.

Fiscal Budget The budget of LTWA is chiefly dependent on annual grant-in-aid endowed by the Government of India for meeting both recurring and non-recurring expenditures. It is indeed the lifeline of LTWA, without which the survival of the institution is at stake. This year the institution received an annual grant of Rs. 5,500,000 (five and a half million) from the Ministry of Culture, Government of India. The rest of the fiscal budgetary expenses were met from donations and income generated from the sales of publications and hostel rents.

Maintenance The Library building and its staff quarters are fairly old and need timely repairs and a facelift to maintain its conduciveness. Interior building walls were repaired and waterproofed to prevent leaching, caused by rain and moisture, before being re-painted to improve their cleanliness. New murals were painted

22

to enhance the significance and aesthetics of the institute. Extra lightings were installed in the main lobby to improve the quality of illumination and visibility. Massive renovations were carried out in the students’ quarters. New attached toilet and bathroom with geyser were set up in each research apartment.

All the kitchens were also renovated and repainted.

Besides these, other minor renovation and repair works were carried out throughout the year.

Dharamsala has never been secured from the wrath of mother earth. It is particularly vulnerable to earthquake since the geographic belt on which the town is located is said to be on an active earthquake zone. Contacts have been made with Geo-Hazard International (GHI), USA, and guidance sought for any preventive measures against the possible impacts of earthquake. The representatives of the GHI visited the institute and studied the structures and the physical geography of the areas. The team reported imminent destruction if ever earth shakes occur. Various preventive measures were discussed and subsequently a series of meetings were held attended by structural engineers, GHI geologists, experts and the representatives of LTWA. Measures are being worked out.

Computer & Information Services In an effort to keep pace with other academic institutes the administration upgraded its broadband Internet connection to improve its speed of connection with the outside world.

An internal messaging software was introduced in the daily communication within the Library staff that helped alleviate the load on intercom lines.

Circulars, notices and official communication among the staff were executed within a streak of lightning.

Data could also be wired and shared among the staff with full security against any intruder.

A growing number of students and visitors necessitated the opening up of a multi-media section where they could get access not only to the cyber world but also to some collections. The section is open for LTWA researchers, general students and staff as an additional facility within the campus at a very nominal rate. The services include Internet service, scanning, printing in colour or black and white, lamination, hardware maintenance and repair, CD duplication, etc.

newsletter Fall 2008

Library of Tibetan Works and Archives

Governing Body During the fiscal year two Governing Body meetings were held. Important matters pertaining to the development of the institution were discussed and resolved. Some clauses in the staff rules and regulations were also reviewed, revised and adopted.

Executive Committee The LTWA Executive Committee had three sittings of meetings to assess the over-all development of the institution. Important matters were discussed and resolved.

Vol. 1

continual support and guidance. We pledge to strive at all times for the fulfillment of all of his wishes.

We record our profound gratitude to the Government of India for its unremitting financial support and guidance which has allowed this institution to grow into an internationally acclaimed centre for Buddhist and Tibetan studies.

We are also thankful for those institutions and individuals who have come forward to support us in every direction of our endeavors. Without their help and support we would not have been able to reach the present stage of development. â–

Acknowledgement The LTWA expresses its deepest sense of indebtedness and venerated gratitude to His Holiness the Dalai Lama for his

Building Expansion The rapid expansion of LTWA’s collections, programs and activities reflect a profound awareness of the urgency not to let this unique civilization’s cultural heritage die and it reveals the deep commitment of the exile community to its preservation and promotion. It also responds to the growing worldwide interest in Tibetan culture. This notable progression has rendered the current institutional facilities prematurely inadequate. The Library has outgrown its present home. The original building has seen its capacity saturated and can no longer accommodate the growing needs of the institution. An extension is urgently needed to overcome the serious shortcomings of the space available. The proposed new annex of the LTWA will provide appropriate areas for office, library, workshop, classes, archives, conference, etc.

The land has already been acquired and the proposed design has been developed. With a combined floor area of 10,266 square feet, it is conceived in three stories to accommodate to the small site, and it incorporates Tibetan design elements complementing the architecture of the original building.

An appeal for funds was made to the Government of India and was duly sanctioned. Its execution will allow the LTWA to remain a determining factor in the preservation and development of Buddhist and Tibetan culture. The construction works were started under the technical supervision and guidance of civil engineers and traditional and modern architects.

Major areas of the extension building will accommodate office, library, rooms for archive and documentation, conference/seminar, workshop, classrooms, etc. Besides, it will also house additional collections of the Tibetan Manuscript and the Foreign Language Reference Libraries. Thus, construction of an annex building will immensely help and facilitate further developmental works of the various departments of this institution.

To sum up, the extension building would alleviate the constraints of the existing facility and further developmental activities can be carried out that will ultimately benefit scholars, researchers, students and the public in general.

23

Diary 2007 Science for Monks January 14 - February 3 Science Workshop for Monks was held at Sera Monastery. It was attended by around 60 monastics including 5 nuns.

Monlam Bodyig-II February, 2007 Much awaited Monlam Bodyig-II was launched with the initiative of the Library of Tibetan Works & Archives with the attendance of Tibetan scholars and people from various press.

Manuscript Award February 14 One of the collections of the Library of Tibetan Works & Archives – a rare and handwritten manuscript titled Phags pa bskal pa bzang po zhes bya ba theg pa chen po’i mdo (Aryabhadra-kaapikanama-mahayana-sutra) was awarded as ‘Manuscript Treasure of India’ by the National Manuscript Mission.

Conference March 6 – 8 The Library took part in the 2nd International Conference on Central Asian Studies and the Early History of Tibet Scholar Talk March 22 Talk by Dongthog Rinpoche – author of New Light English-Tibetan Dictionary Interview March 22 - 27 Mr. Emmanuel Vaughan-Lee and team from the Global Oneness Project, interviewed the Library’s Director on oneness from a Buddhist perspective.

Scholar Visit April 8 -18 Dr. Elisa Harumi Kozasa, Researcher, Behaviuoral Medicine Unit, UNIFESPUniversidade Federal de Sao Paulo arrived in Dharamsala and surveyed (LTWA) Translation Workshop June 1 to August 31 Three months annual Translator Training Workshop was held at the Library.

Science for Monks June 14 to July 5 Annual Science for Monks workshop

organised by the Library was held in Bir, Northern India.

Mind & Life Oct 20-24 Director, Ven. Geshe Lhakdor-la and four other Geshes from the LTWA’s Science for monks program traveled to Emory University, Atlanta to participate in the XV Mind and Life conference: Mindfulness, Compassion, and the Treatment of Depression.

Earthquake!

November 17 LTWA organised a workshop on Earthquake Risk - Preparedness by Tom and Hari.

Science Translation Training December 24 - 29 LTWA & Science Meets Dharma organised annual Science Translation Training.

2008 Science Terminology Seminar March 18 - 20 The first three-day science terminology seminar was organised jointly by LTWA and Department of Education at the LTWA conference hall.

Pre- workshop training May 10 to 17 Maths and Science teaching for ETSI was organised by LTWA and it was taught by Tsondrue Samphel, Tenzin Sonam, Pii and Mat. Book Launch May 22, 2008 Penguin Books India and LTWA celebrated the publication of To Uphold the World , the message of Ashoka & Kautilya for the 21st Century. The Library’s Director introduced the book and the author Bruce Rich gave a talk on the book followed by questions and answers. It was attended by around 40 people from various countries.

ETSI Workshop May 19 to June 14, 2008 The first Emory Tibet Science Initiatives workshop was held at College for Higher Tibetan Studies, Sarah, Dharamsala. It was organised jointly by the Library of Tibetan Works and Archives and Emory University.

The Newsletter of LTWA is an annual publication. Its purpose is to provide news and information on all activities related to the growth and development of the Library.

The Newsletter is provided free of cost. However, donations to defray the cost of publication and postage will be gratefully accepted and acknowledged.

Readers, who wish to receive future issues of the Newsletter, should write to The Secretary, Library of Tibetan Works & Archives, Gangchen Kyishong, Dharamsala, Distt.Kangra, H.P, India.

Governing Body Chairman H.H the Dalai Lama VICE - CHAIRMAN Ven.Prof. Samdhong Rinpoche, Vice-Chairman, LTWA Governing Body & Kalon Tripa, CTA Members Ven. Tsering Phuntsok Kalon for Religion & Culture, CTA Ven. Doboom Rinpoche Director, Tibet House, Delhi Mr. Lobsang Dhargay Chief Justice Commisioner (Rtd.), CTA Prof.P.N. Sharma Principal (Rtd.), Govt. College, Dharamsala Ven. Lhakdor Director, LTWA Representatives from the Govt of India Director, Liason Office, MEA, Govt. of India, Dharamsala Director, Ministry of Culture, Govt. of India

AdViSorS

Ven. Geshe Lhakdor Ngawang Yeshi Tsering Namgyal Dr. Chok Tenzin Monlam EDITOR

Chemi Wangmo